Film Title and Release Date: Roman Holiday (1953) Film Length: 79 Minutes Film Genre: Romance/Comedy

Reviewer Name and Grade: Alyssa P., 9th Grade Date Reviewed: April 4, 2021 Annie (Audrey Hepburn), a European princess, is physically and emotionally exhausted from touring around the continent in press conferences, keeping face and keeping calm. She yearns for a normal day, a day in which she can be like the common folk in the city she’s stationed in at that moment. When in Rome, right? Well, timing plays a lovely trick as she falls into the hands of a news reporter (Gregory Peck) thirsty for a breadwinning story, and from which he shapes for her the perfect, normal day, with the assistance of some friends. This is not without resistance, though. Trials and tribulations throw themselves in their paths, while trying to discreetly interview the awe-stricken ‘modern girl’ princess. Neither the news reporter, by which he is called Joe Bradley, nor Annie, the princess, reveal their identities to one another, both thinking they are outsmarting the other with fake names and occupations. This accumulates for one wild journey, which may lead to romance, thrill, and plot twists which grab you from your seat. William Wyler’s Roman Holiday is a must-watch.

How did you find the film on Kanopy? I have had Roman Holiday on my list for a long while, yet when I was brainstorming what to watch, I remembered the extensive classic movie selection Kanopy held and typed it in, and it happened to be there, to my pleasant surprise! Did the plot keep you interested? The plot was extremely engaging. It plucked your heartstrings, how real and raw each character was, multifaceted and human, no matter the complications. Was the pace of the film too fast, too slow, or just right? The pace of the film was absolutely perfect. What grade level(s) is this film appropriate for? I would suggest this movie to anyone above the fifth grade. It isn’t inappropriate in any sort, it is just that this is a memorable film and I believe in order to find it impressionable, you should be old enough to enjoy and understand every aspect of it. It is appropriate for all ages from the first grade and above, though, in my opinion.

I would rate the film with: Five Stars. Not only was the film aesthetically beautiful, with the set being actual Rome, the actor’s performance divine, as well as the writing exquisite, this movie was so real, even though the story itself is unique. It captures the aspects of innocence and pure desire, and the human understanding of simplicity sometimes being the key to happiness. It also pulls back the curtain on gilded and crown-wearing perfection, and teaches to the audience that what is portrayed to the public isn’t always how one truly is; even if they hold themselves that way.